CountyScore

Grand Forks County

North Dakota · ND

#52 in North Dakota
66.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Grand Forks County, North Dakota

Grand Forks exceeds national average despite regional challenges

Grand Forks County's composite score of 66.8 still surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 34%, reflecting solid fundamentals in a competitive rural market. While this positions the county in the upper half nationally, it underperforms relative to its neighboring North Dakota counties, signaling some headwinds. The 66.8 score places it firmly above average but below its state's strongest performers.

Grand Forks trails North Dakota's county averages

At 66.8, Grand Forks scores below North Dakota's state average of 74.8, a 8-point gap that reflects particular weaknesses in risk management and income growth. The county ranks lower than most other North Dakota counties measured, suggesting it faces more economic or environmental pressures than its neighbors. This gap warrants attention for long-term competitiveness.

Health and housing costs provide reliable foundations

Grand Forks scores respectably on health (76.9) and maintains moderate housing affordability with a cost score of 72.1 and median home values at $244,200. The tax burden is reasonable at an effective rate of 1.128%, and median household income of $68,450 is middle-of-the-road for the region.

Risk and income scores signal underlying concerns

Grand Forks' risk score of 42.3 is markedly low compared to other North Dakota counties, suggesting exposure to flooding, hazards, or economic volatility that residents should understand. The income score of 28.1 also lags, with median earnings of $68,450 offering limited upward mobility compared to peers. School and safety data are not yet available, leaving some questions unanswered.

Best for established residents valuing stability over growth

Grand Forks suits people already rooted in the community or those seeking steady (if modest) living conditions in a college-town atmosphere. The county's moderate scores suggest it's not ideal for ambitious families seeking rapid income growth, but solid health and tax profiles appeal to those prioritizing immediate quality of life.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax70.5Cost72.1SafetyComing SoonHealth76.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.1Risk42.3WaterComing Soon
🏛70.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡42.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Grand Forks County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cochise County
Arizona
66.8
Median income: $58,970
Chattooga County
Georgia
66.8
Median income: $47,785
Clay County
Illinois
66.8
Median income: $57,266
Piatt County
Illinois
66.8
Median income: $87,516
Hamilton County
Kansas
66.8
Median income: $61,929

Deep Dives

Grand Forks County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grand Forks County

via TaxByCounty

Grand Forks taxes match the nation

Grand Forks County's effective tax rate of 1.128% slightly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing this county right at the middle of the pack nationally. The median tax bill of $2,754 matches the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher home values and a rate slightly above average.

Highest-taxed county in North Dakota

Grand Forks ranks first in effective tax rate among all 53 North Dakota counties at 1.128%, well above the state average of 0.885%. This 28% premium reflects the county's need to fund services for its larger population and greater property values.

Significantly higher than surrounding counties

Grand Forks's rate of 1.128% far exceeds neighboring Golden Valley (0.930%), Griggs (0.906%), and LaMoure (0.968%) counties. Only Hettinger County matches this burden at 1.128%, making Grand Forks a regional outlier in tax pressure.

What a typical homeowner pays

On the median home value of $244,200, Grand Forks homeowners pay roughly $2,754 annually in property taxes. With mortgage insurance, that bill rises to $2,881—among the highest in the state.

High valuations deserve close review

Grand Forks's higher assessments mean homeowners have more to gain from a reassessment challenge. If your home was last valued more than three years ago, request a review—potential savings could exceed $300 annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grand Forks County

via CostByCounty

Grand Forks rents pinch household budgets harder

Grand Forks County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% signals affordability strain—renters here dedicate a noticeably larger share of income to housing than the national norm. A median income of $68,450 falls short of the national median by $6,305, yet median rent of $971 runs well above state averages.

Tightest rental market in the survey

At 17.0%, Grand Forks County's rent-to-income ratio ranks as the highest among these eight North Dakota counties and well above the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $971 reflects university demand and regional economic activity that push costs upward.

Urban pressure drives higher housing costs

Grand Forks's $971 rent stands significantly above rural neighbors like Griggs County ($606) and LaMoure County ($607), reflecting the county's larger population and University of North Dakota influence. Homebuyers here face median values of $244,200—the highest in this group—nearly double some neighboring counties.

Rent dominates, ownership costs surge

Renters spend $971 monthly (17% of income), while homeowners face $1,229 in monthly costs—the steepest owner burden in the survey. On a $68,450 median income, housing easily exceeds the recommended 30% threshold for many households.

Grand Forks rewards higher earners and seekers of urban life

If you're moving to Grand Forks for university employment or a professional career, verify your salary exceeds the county median to maintain housing comfort. Renters and buyers here need household incomes above $75,000 to breathe easily—or consider nearby rural counties for significant savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grand Forks County

via IncomeByCounty

Grand Forks slightly lags national income

Grand Forks County's median household income of $68,450 falls $6,305 short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the middle tier of U.S. counties, reflecting a moderate earning profile for a region anchored by a university and military presence.

Mid-range earnings within North Dakota

Grand Forks County ranks 25th among North Dakota's 53 counties, earning $3,913 below the state average of $72,537. Despite being home to the University of North Dakota and Grand Forks Air Force Base, household incomes here trail the state median.

Mixed results against neighboring counties

Grand Forks County's $68,450 income edges out Griggs County ($64,737) but trails nearby Walsh County and Nelson County across the Minnesota border. The presence of institutional employers helps sustain incomes, though agricultural volatility affects surrounding communities.

Rent consumes a notable share of income

Grand Forks County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% remains below the danger zone of 30%, though higher than many rural counties. With a median home value of $244,200—the highest among these eight counties—homeownership requires careful financial planning but rental housing remains accessible.

Strategic planning can strengthen financial position

Grand Forks households earning $68,450 can still build wealth through disciplined budgeting and investment. Explore employer retirement benefits, especially through the university or military, and consider consulting financial advisors about diversifying beyond housing into stocks, bonds, and education savings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Grand Forks County

via HealthByCounty

Grand Forks exceeds national health standards

Grand Forks County residents live to 78.6 years, nearly matching the U.S. average of 78.9 years, with 15.8% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national 18%. This positions the county solidly in the healthier range for American counties.

Above state average on longevity

At 78.6 years, Grand Forks life expectancy exceeds North Dakota's 77.5-year average by 1.1 years. The county's 15.8% poor health rate is also better than typical state outcomes, reflecting strong community health management.

Regional health leader

Grand Forks' 78.6-year life expectancy outperforms Grant County (76.6 years) and Hettinger County (77.9 years) by meaningful margins. With 15.8% poor health rates, the county also ranks better than regional peers like Grant (18.6%).

Strong primary and mental health access

Grand Forks offers robust healthcare infrastructure with 122 primary care providers and 384 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, both well above state and national benchmarks. Just 6.4% of residents lack health insurance, the second-lowest rate among comparison counties.

Maximize coverage in Grand Forks

Although 6.4% of residents remain uninsured, Grand Forks' excellent provider network means accessing care is easier than ever. Check Healthcare.gov to find plans that match your family's needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grand Forks County

via RiskByCounty

Grand Forks Faces Above-Average Risk

Grand Forks County's composite risk score of 57.67 earns a Relatively Low rating, but it's substantially higher than the national average. The county faces meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and severe weather.

North Dakota's Highest-Risk County

Grand Forks County ranks as the highest-risk county in North Dakota with a composite score of 57.67, more than double the state average of 22.19. This position reflects the county's vulnerability to flood, tornado, and wildfire hazards.

Significantly Riskier Than Surrounding Counties

Grand Forks County's 57.67 risk score dwarfs neighboring Golden Valley (13.07) and Grant (14.79), making it a notable outlier in the region. The Red River valley geography that defines the county creates elevated flood exposure its neighbors don't share.

Flooding, Tornadoes, and Wildfire Threats

Grand Forks County faces triple hazard exposure: flood risk at 61.70, tornado risk at 60.66, and wildfire risk at 55.31. These overlapping vulnerabilities require comprehensive preparation and insurance planning year-round.

Multi-Hazard Insurance Essential Here

Grand Forks County residents must secure comprehensive coverage including flood insurance (often excluded from standard homeowners policies) and adequate protection against wind and tornado damage. Consider an umbrella policy to close gaps across your flood, wind, and wildfire exposures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.